The National Republican Congressional Committee (NRCC) has launched a new TV ad targeting far-left Democrat Rep. Gabe Vasquez in the New Mexico 2nd Congressional District (NM-02) race.
The ad focuses on Vasquez’s past comments regarding defunding the police, a controversial issue that has been central to political debates across the country.
Titled “In His Own Words,” the ad highlights Vasquez’s previous statements advocating for reducing or reimagining police funding. Clips used in the ad emphasize Vasquez’s belief in reallocating police resources, stating, “The police department… if we don’t need those positions anymore, then we need to get rid of them.”
The ad portrays these comments as evidence that Vasquez wants to “get rid of the police” and replace them with other services, such as psychologists responding to certain incidents. The ad closes with the message, “Yes, Gabe Vasquez wants to defund the police.”
The NRCC’s ad campaign represents a substantial financial investment in the NM-02 race, a district that has seen fierce competition in recent elections.
The district, previously held by Republican Yvette Herrell, flipped to the Democrats when Vasquez narrowly won the seat in 2022. As the race heats up, Republicans are looking to regain control of the district, framing Vasquez as aligned with the more progressive wing of the Democrat Party, particularly on issues like law enforcement.
This line of attack has been a recurring theme in competitive districts nationwide, as Republicans aim to paint their Democratic opponents as extreme on crime-related issues. Public safety is a top concern for many voters, so this ad seeks to sway undecided voters by highlighting Vasquez’s past statements, which are extreme and supportive of defunding police.
The outcome of the NM-02 race could be pivotal for both parties, as Republicans seek to regain a foothold in New Mexico and strengthen their position in the House, with only a slim majority.
The American Action Network (AAN) has launched a new wave of advertising targeting several congressional districts, including New Mexico’s 2nd, represented by far-left Democrat Rep. Gabe Vasquez.
As part of a broader $5 million investment in issue advocacy, the campaign urges lawmakers to support stronger immigration policies, including reinstating the “Remain in Mexico” policy.
AAN’s focus in Vasquez’s district comes as part of a larger push to influence policy on immigration and cost of living issues.
According to AAN President Dan Conston, the ads reflect concerns about “the toxic Biden-Harris agenda” and its effects on immigration and rising prices.
The group is advocating for measures like the Red Tape Reduction Act, which aims to lower costs on everyday items, energy, and healthcare, while also pushing for more stringent border control policies. The ads, set to run on television and digital platforms over the next two weeks, will highlight Vasquez’s stance on these key issues.
AAN has allocated $300,000 specifically for ads targeting Vasquez in New Mexico’s 2nd district, part of an overall summer ad campaign budget totaling $26.5 million. This marks a continued effort by AAN to pressure members of Congress on both immigration and economic reforms.
The campaign comes amid increasing voter concern about border security, with AAN citing a poll showing 62% of battleground voters support the “Remain in Mexico” policy. The ads are expected to play a significant role in shaping the political debate in Vasquez’s district ahead of upcoming legislative actions.
Vasquez faces a fierce reelection battle against Republican former Congresswoman Yvette Herrell, who just this week had an event in Las Cruces with U.S. House Speaker Mike Johnson, who strongly endorsed her campaign.
The National Republican Congressional Committee (NRCC) has included Yvette Herrell on its initial list of 26 candidates for the 2024 Young Guns program, signaling a significant endorsement for her campaign. Herrell, who is running in New Mexico’s Second Congressional District to flip it from Democrat Rep. Gabe Vasquez, is positioned as a key contender in the upcoming elections.
NRCC Spokeswoman Delanie Bomar praised Herrell’s candidacy, stating, “Extreme House Democrat Gabe Vasquez has fueled the border, crime and cost of living crises that are wreaking havoc on New Mexicans’ safety and security. Yvette Herrell is in a prime position to flip New Mexico’s 2nd District red and help grow our House majority in November.” Bomar’s comments highlight the NRCC’s belief in Herrell’s potential to make a significant impact in this crucial race.
The move, however, triggered panicked responses from the Gabe Vasquez campaign, which wrote in a fundraising email, “The NRCC is pumping MILLIONS into expanding their House majority, flipping the Senate, and painting the White House RED. Up and down their path of mass destruction, MAGA extremists are doing anything to sabotage Gabe.”
“MAGA Republicans, the NRCC, and Yvette Herrell are all scrambling to incite as much chaos and division as possible ahead of Election Day. Their attacks are only going to get worse…. MAGA Republicans can try to spread their insidious lies and extremist agendas, but they can’t run away from the truth: Team Vasquez flipped this district blue and has what it takes to hold Gabe’s seat,” the campaign claimed.
The Young Guns program is designed to support and mentor Republican candidates across the nation, providing them with the essential tools and resources needed to run competitive and successful campaigns. Candidates selected for this program are required to achieve specific goals and benchmarks throughout the election cycle. This structured approach ensures that their campaigns remain competitive, well-funded, and actively engaged with their constituents.
The Young Guns program’s comprehensive support system is intended to strengthen Republican campaigns by offering strategic guidance and boosting visibility. For Herrell, this endorsement not only signifies national recognition but also a robust support network as she prepares for a challenging election battle.
In addition to Herrell, the Young Guns list includes a diverse group of candidates from across the country. Notable names on the list are Nancy Dahlstrom from Alaska’s At-Large District, Caroleene Dobson from Alabama’s 2nd District, and Scott Baugh from California’s 47th District. Other candidates include Kevin Lincoln (CA-09), Jeff Hurd (CO-03), and Mayra Flores (TX-34), among others.
The selection of Herrell and her fellow candidates underscores the NRCC’s strategic focus on key battleground districts and races where Republican candidates are poised to make significant gains. The Young Guns program aims to harness this momentum, providing a strong foundation for these candidates as they navigate the complexities of their campaigns.
With the backing of the NRCC and the support of the Young Guns program, Yvette Herrell is well-positioned to make a strong push in New Mexico’s 2nd District, working toward a pivotal win in the November elections.
An internal poll conducted by the Tarrance Group for former Representative Yvette Herrell (R) and the National Republican Congressional Committee (NRCC) shows Herrell leading incumbent Representative Gabe Vasquez (D) within the margin of error.
The poll, conducted from July 11-14 among 400 likely voters, reports Herrell ahead with 48% compared to Vasquez’s 46%, within the poll’s margin of error of ±4.9%.
According to a polling memo shared with Hotline, the generic ballot test also gave Republicans a slight advantage, with 46% support compared to 45% for Democrats. This survey was released following Vasquez’s first campaign advertisement against Herrell in June.
The race in New Mexico’s 2nd congressional district is one of the most competitive in the country, according to Hotline analysis. The political landscape has evolved since the survey, with growing Democratic optimism about Vice President Kamala Harris’s potential to outperform President Biden in Sun Belt states like New Mexico. This shift might bolster Vasquez’s chances, potentially tipping the scales in this closely contested race.
The poll results come as new information about Vasquez’s past emerges, including allegations of him using a racial slur against a former colleague and an arrest warrant executed by El Paso police earlier this year. The NRCC suggests that as voters become more aware of these issues, Herrell’s lead could widen.
NRCC spokeswoman Delanie Bomar commented, “Gabe Vasquez is shaking in his boots knowing his extreme policies and troubled past are putting his electoral chances in danger. With Yvette Herrell on the ballot, this district is in a prime position to flip red.”
On Friday, Sen. Martin Heinrich, after weeks of criticism for a limp statement on Biden’s cognitive decline, finally threw the octogenarian Democrat to the wolves and called for him to drop out of the presidential race after being a fervent supporter.
He wrote, “While the decision to withdraw from the campaign is President Biden’s alone, I believe it is in the best interests of our country for him to step aside.”
Following Heinrich’s statement, his close far-left ally, Rep. Gabe Vasquez, who faces likely defeat in November at the hands of Republican former Congresswoman Yvette Herrell, jumped ship as well.
Vasquez wrote, “…I believe too many of our fundamental freedoms and the wellbeing of our nation are at risk under a Trump presidency and President Biden should step aside to give Democrats the best opportunity to win this November. With abortion rights under attack and our Democracy at stake, we must unite to defeat Donald Trump and MAGA extremists.”
He added, as cover, “But make no mistake, regardless of who our nominee is, my number one job will be to take care of the people of my district and continue bringing results home to New Mexico.”
Herrell wrote on X after the announcement, “After weeks of silence, Gabe finally throws Joe Biden under the bus because he knows his own re-election is in serious jeopardy. #NM02 will see this exactly for what it is: a desperate political stunt that continues to ignore the most important question – if Joe Biden is unfit to continue running, how is he fit to continue serving as President?”
The National Republican Congressional Committee (NRCC) wrote, “Gabe Vasquez is trying to pull the wool over voters’ eyes once again, this time with *another* election year stunt.”
“For weeks Vasquez said it was Biden’s decision to make and has avoided commenting on Biden’s mental ability despite being repeatedly asked by reporters, but now he’s changed his mind to save his own political career. Today, Vasquez pretended to throw Biden to the wolves, but nowhere in his statement did he answer the question on everyone’s minds: Is Joe Biden fit to serve as President?”
A statement from NRCC spokeswoman Delanie Bomar read, “Everyone can see Gabe Vasquez’s statement for what it truly is, a transparent election-year ploy to try to cling to his seat. President Biden is sitting in the Oval Office because Gabe Vasquez and Democrats hid the truth from voters and lied about the president’s condition. Gabe Vasquez must answer the question: Is Joe Biden fit to serve as President?”
According to a report from Punchbowl News, Republican former Congresswoman Yvette Herrell has raised a massive sum for her bid to reclaim New Mexico’s Second District from Democrat hands.
The outlet wrote that she “raised $802,000 in the second quarter of 2024. Herrell is running in a rematch of her 2022 contest against Rep. Gabe Vasquez (D-N.M.) in New Mexico’s 2nd District.”
Delanie Bomar of the National Republican Congressional Committee wrote on X, announcing the haul, “A record breaking Q2 for Yvette Herrell!”
Bomar added that Herrell “is raking in the cash and #NM02 is ready to show
The news comes as Vasquez is under fire for refusing to endorse Democrat Joe Biden in his presidential bid following a disastrous first presidential debate.
Herrell is also blasting Vasquez for his criminal record, including bucking a police warrant for over two decades and calling a former colleague a “ni—er,” per police reports.
House Republicans and several Democrats approved a bill on Wednesday to expand proof-of-citizenship requirements for federal elections and impose voter roll purges on states. The Safeguard American Voter Eligibility (SAVE) Act passed with a 221-198 vote, with five Democrats supporting it.
Despite this, New Mexico’s Democrat Reps. Gabe Vasquez, Melanie Stansbury, and Teresa Leger Fernandez opposed the bill, showing a clear divide even within the Democrat Party. The vote shows the trio’s support for allowing illegal aliens to vote in U.S. elections.
The legislation is unlikely to progress in the Senate due to strong Democratic resistance. President Biden has also promised to veto it. Critics argue that the bill’s core idea—making noncitizen voting illegal—is redundant and more likely to disenfranchise U.S. citizens than prevent illegal voting.
Speaker Mike Johnson (R-La.) insisted on the House floor that the bill is necessary because noncitizens have participated in U.S. elections, despite existing laws against it. Johnson stated, “Even though it’s already illegal, this is happening.” He further emphasized the need for the legislation to prevent noncitizen voting and to make it unlawful within states.
The far-left “Brennan Center for Justice” cataloged 30 suspected cases of noncitizen voting out of 23.5 million. The notion that noncitizens are voting and that Democrats are importing undocumented immigrants for electoral gains is central to the bill’s purpose.
The Heritage Foundation found illegal alien voting in abundance, including 11,000 illegals previously registered on Virginia’s voter rolls.
Rep. Chip Roy (R-Texas), who introduced the bill, argued that progressive Democrats use open border policies and attack election integrity laws to transform America. Roy’s stance is that Democrats aim to leverage undocumented immigrants to maintain one-party rule.
“This is a matter of national security and election integrity, and Gabe Vasquez is willing to compromise both just to avoid contradicting Biden’s open border. NM-02 deserves better than someone who would sell out their votes like that,” wrote National Republican Congresional Committee Spokeswoman Delanie Bomar following the vote.
“The only reason New Mexico’s Democratic representatives would oppose states requiring proof of citizenship to vote is because they want illegal immigrants to vote in our elections,” said Republican Party of New Mexico Spokeswoman Ash Soular. “They stood by while Joe Biden let 10 million illegal immigrants into our country and now, they’re going to stand by while our national security, election integrity and democracy are threatened. Only American citizens should be allowed to vote in U.S. elections. The SAVE Act is a common-sense and crucial step to restoring confidence in our voting system.”
Extremely vulnerable first-term Democrat Rep. Gabe Vasquez continues to flee the press over whether he believes Joe Biden should leave the presidential ticket following what all sides call a disastrous CNN debate.
Last weekend, Vasquez’s team tried to skirt the question to the Santa Fe New Mexican when asked if he stills supports Biden.
When pressed by Fox News, Vasquez, who is attempting to distance himself from Biden, said he “can make his own decisions about his own campaign,” refusing to endorse him.
Now, when Vasquez’s spokesperson was pressed on if “he believes Biden should stay in the race or step aside” or about “anything he’s hearing from constituents,” the spokesperson reportedly gave “no comment.”
A spox for battleground Dem @RepGabeVasquez said "no comment" today, when we asked if he believes Biden should stay in the race or step aside – and anything he's hearing from constituents https://t.co/CwCBNE6QRo
The interaction was also reported by Politico, which wrote, “A spokesperson for battleground House Ag Democrat Gabe Vasquez (D-N.M.) said ‘no comment’ when MA asked if Biden should stay in the race and what Vasquez is hearing from his constituents about the matter.”
The National Republican Congressional Committee’s (NRCC) spokeswoman, Delanie Bomar, wrote following the Democrat’s uncertainty on his support for Biden, “It is unacceptable that Vasquez is trying to run a basement campaign. He must make his position clear, and he must do it today.”
Other vulnerable Democrats, such as Rep. Angie Craig of Minnesota, have taken concrete stances on Biden, saying, “Given what I saw and heard from the President during last week’s debate in Atlanta, coupled with the lack of a forceful response from the President himself following that debate, I do not believe that the President can effectively campaign and win against Donald Trump.”
“President Biden needs to show that he is fit to lead the free world and demonstrate his fighting spirit,” said vulnerable Democrat Rep. Don Davis of North Carolina. “If he’s going to stay in, he needs to step up.”
“Another vulnerable House Ag Democrat, Marie Gluesenkamp Pérez (D-Wash.), told local media outlet KATU last week she believes Trump will win the election in November after Biden’s debate performance,” Politico further reported.
While battleground district Democrats appear to be taking a stance against Biden, Vasquez, who is a close ally of Biden, has refused to say whether he should stay in the presidential race.
A recent leaked Democrat poll shows a shift from Biden winning New Mexico prior to the debate to Biden now losing New Mexico to Trump by 0.5 percent. Even far-left Democrat Gov. Michelle Lujan Grisham has cast doubt on whether Biden will win the Land of Enchantment if he remains in the running.
The National Republican Congressional Committee (NRCC) has announced an initial ad buy of $45.7 million for the 2024 election cycle, with significant investments in New Mexico aimed at strengthening and expanding their House majority.
Specifically, the NRCC has allocated $2,043,200 for the Albuquerque media market (DMA) and $688,800 for the El Paso media market, which includes parts of southern New Mexico. This targeted investment underscores the NRCC’s strategic focus on New Mexico’s 2nd Congressional District (NM-02), which was identified as a key offensive opportunity back in March.
NRCC Chairman Richard Hudson highlighted the importance of these ads in addressing critical issues facing voters. “The NRCC committed from Day One to not just hold our majority, but go on offense to grow our majority – today we are putting our money where our mouth is,” Hudson stated. “This initial investment gives our candidates firepower to remind voters of the Biden border, crime, and inflation crises wreaking havoc on their daily lives. Extreme Democrats who enabled the chaos and malaise should polish up their resumes – they will be unemployed soon.”
The significant ad buy reflects the NRCC’s strategy to leverage media markets effectively to communicate their message and rally support for Republican candidates in critical districts. The focus on NM-02, in particular, indicates a concerted effort to reclaim and secure seats that are seen as vulnerable or pivotal for maintaining and growing their House majority.
As the 2024 election cycle progresses, these ad reservations mark the beginning of a broader campaign strategy aimed at addressing key voter concerns and drawing contrasts with Democratic incumbents.
For more details on the NRCC’s ad reservations and strategic plans, read the full memo here.
The southern border crisis has reached a critical point, particularly in areas where New Mexico, Texas, and Mexico converge. Dubbed “America’s border graveyard” by the Daily Mail, this region has seen an alarming number of illegal immigrant deaths, exacerbated by extreme heat and harsh desert conditions.
The El Paso Sector of the US Border Patrol has already recorded 82 deaths this fiscal year, a sharp increase from 50 deaths at the same time last year, with expectations of setting a grim record for fatalities in the region, which encompasses West Texas and southern New Mexico.
As temperatures in the Chihuahua Desert soar into the triple digits, rescuers find migrants in dire conditions, often with bodies too hot to touch without protective gloves. Border Patrol spokesman Claudio Herrera highlighted the escalating danger, stating, “The numbers are increasing, temperatures are rising. We’re seeing triple digits constantly,” underscoring the perilous journey migrants undertake.
The summer heat has just begun, and already, the toll on human life is severe. A humanitarian worker, James Holeman, described the desperate situation: “It’s horrible. It’s really, really bad.” His organization, Battalion Search and Rescue, has been actively locating the remains of illegal immigrants who succumbed to the harsh conditions. In the first ten days of June alone, they found ten bodies. The challenge is further compounded by the fact that over half of the deceased are women, a higher proportion than seen along any other part of the US-Mexico border.
In response to the crisis, first responders have resorted to using ice baths as a last-ditch effort to save illegal immigrants on the brink of death from heat exposure. Captain Abraham Garcia of the Sunland Park Fire Department explained the severity of the situation: “We know that they are at 104, 105. We know that they are cooking internally. The brain starts malfunctioning. They have four or five minutes with brain damage, so we want to cool them as fast as we can.”
Over a 6-hr period, Agents in Santa Teresa , NM responded to 6 migrant heat related injuries. Temperatures in our region are now reaching triple digits. No arriesgue su vida!#HeatAwareness#SafetyAwarenesspic.twitter.com/VZE0yIArQp
— Anthony “Scott” Good (@USBPChiefEPT) June 1, 2024
Illegal immigrants crossing into this part of the US often face brutal conditions even before they reach the border. Smugglers, or “polleros,” frequently abuse, dehydrate, and starve them, forcing them to endure perilous conditions without adequate preparation.
Once in the US, many illegal immigrants are left to navigate treacherous terrain, including the dangerous Mount Cristo Rey, with limited food and water. Their guides abandon The unlucky ones and leave them to face the elements alone.
Yesterday, USBP agents in Santa Teresa, NM rescued an individual in distress. He flagged down agents for help before losing consciousness. Unable to find a pulse, agents performed CPR until the subject regained consciousness and EMS arrived.
The FBI has acknowledged the broader implications of this border crisis, noting an increase in crime throughout New Mexico. Special Agent in Charge Raul Bujanda of the FBI’s Albuquerque field office linked the surge in violence, drug trafficking, and overdoses directly to border security challenges. He emphasized the organized nature of illegal crossings, where illegal immigrants are often exploited by criminals who demand payment for passage into the US.
USBP agents in El Paso, TX assigned to the Alien Smuggling Unit, in conjunction with TX DPS Troopers conducted an operation on a stash house resulting in the seizure of $32,786.00 in proceeds from alien smuggling. One Mexican migrant was apprehended and processed under Title 8. pic.twitter.com/fwwMfFwMcm
“If we’re not addressing from where it starts to where it ends and to where it continues to go then we’re missing a big part of it,” said Bujanda. “Part of the problem that we have on the New Mexico side is we have an incomplete border. There is no structure that separates our country from Mexico.”
As illegals continue to face life-threatening conditions, the resources of local emergency services are stretched thin. The Sunland Park Fire Department, with just 24 members, is frequently called to rescue illegal immigrants in distress, diverting resources from serving the local community. Despite these efforts, the true scale of the crisis may be vastly underestimated, with many bodies never recovered from the desert’s unforgiving expanse.
Following the report from the Daily Mail, National Republican Congressional Committee Spokeswoman Delanie Bomar said, “Gabe Vasquez doesn’t take the death and destruction from the border crisis seriously. New Mexicans deserve to be represented by someone who shares their values, and by ignoring the pain at the border, Gabe has shown he is clearly unfit to serve border communities.”
@reproforall, X
The humanitarian and security crisis at the border underscores the urgent need for comprehensive solutions that address both immediate and long-term challenges as the toll on human life and community resources continues to mount. However, Gov. Michelle Lujan Grisham remains the only border state governor to refuse aid via the National Guard or other means to stem the flow of illegal immigration, fentanyl, and crime associated with the wide-open border.
